Tiktoker Adds A Quirky Detail To Boring IKEA Bookcase and It Changes Everything

By Jules YapLast update
billy bookcase before

Farwa Moledina, a resourceful DIYer, elevated a plain IKEA BILLY bookcase with scalloped wood trim, turning it into custom pantry storage that complements her dining and kitchen areas.

Moledina needed additional shelving in the kitchen to store toddler formula, dishes, and pantry items, and she honed in on IKEA’s tall bookcase with glass doors. Size-wise, the bookcase was a perfect fit in the corner between her kitchen and dining room. The bookcase’s adjustable shelving system provided the ideal solution for storing various-sized boxes.

But its plain white appearance and transparent doors did not align with Moledina’s rich and bold decor. Moledina, who shares her DIY projects on TikTok, was determined to retain the bookcase’s functionality and infuse it with charm and practicality suitable for her home. At the same time, she was inspired by the scalloped furniture trend and wanted to find a way to add that to her BILLY bookcase hack.

Prime and Paint

She began the makeover with a coat of primer to prepare the bookcase’s laminate surface for painting. Moledina, whose home is adorned with various shades of pink, chose a lovely coral hue for the bookcase. She applied two coats of paint to the exterior, interior doors, and both sides of the shelves for uniform and even coverage. Anticipating the wear and tear that the shelves would take from storing kitchenware, she also applied a sealant to protect the paint from chipping.

Scalloped Wood Trim

Photo Credit: Farwa Moledina

To achieve the desired curvy effect, Moledina opted for scalloped wood trim, which she cut to the exact dimensions of the bookcase doors. After painting the molding in the same coral shade, she set it aside to be installed as a finishing touch.

Bold Wallpaper Design

Moledina chose a design with wavy lines in a mustard-and-coral palette that complemented the paint. She plastered the back and sides of the bookcase’s interior with this wallpaper. The bold design gave the bookshelf an instant visual uplift.

Reeded Glass Film

@thehousewiththepinkbed I had so much fun upcycling this @IKEAUK Billy book case with @Apartment Therapy ! The scallop trim was so effective 🫶🏽 Wallpaper @lust.home #ikeaupcycle #ikeahack #ikeabillyhack #kitchenstorage #homehacks #pinkfurniture #fyp #lovemyhome #kitcheninspo #upcyclewithme ♬ Stolen Dance (Instrumental) – Milky Chance

To hide the view of clutter, Moledina chose reeded glass film for the doors, creating a subtle opacity. The application of the film was a two-person job, requiring a soap-and-water mixture and ironing out air bubbles with a plastic card. Once dry, she trimmed the excess film for a clean finish.

Adding The Trim

The final touch was the addition of the scalloped trim to the doors, which Moledina attached using a strong adhesive. Once dry, her BILLY bookcase hack was done.

The transformation was a success. The reeded glass not only serves a practical purpose by concealing clutter but also adds a touch of sophistication to the unit. The scalloped trim elevates the bookcase from a basic storage item to a unique work of art.